Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a refrigerator. The refrigerator comprises an ice storage box; an ice maker, the ice maker comprising: a support, the support being connected to a refrigerator body or a door body; a first mold, the first mold being provided with a first mold cavity; a second mold, the second mold being provided with a second mold cavity, when the first mold is in contact with the second mold, the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity forming an accommodating cavity, and the accommodating cavity being configured to accommodate ice; and a driving assembly, the driving assembly being connected to the support, the driving assembly being connected to the first mold, the driving assembly being connected to the second mold, the driving assembly being configured to drive the first mold to move relative to the ice storage box, and the driving assembly being configured to drive the second mold to move relative to the ice storage box, so as to separate the first mold and the second mold at different ice-dropping points to release ice; and an ice detection structure, the ice detection structure being configured to measure the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510207505.3, filed on February 24, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to refrigeration technology, and more particularly to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0004] With the continuous development of society, refrigerator consumption has gradually expanded from a single function to include user comfort and multi-functionality, resulting in a richer range of refrigerator features. Among these, the ice-making function is one of the features that people are paying attention to.

[0005] In related technologies, a refrigerator includes an ice-making device, which includes an ice storage box, an ice maker, and an ice detection structure. The ice maker is located above the ice storage box, and the ice blocks produced by the ice maker can fall into the ice storage box for storage. The ice detection structure is used to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box.

[0006] However, the ice distribution in the ice storage box is not uniform, and the ice detection structure is prone to misjudging that the ice storage box is full, resulting in a small ice storage capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a refrigerator, comprising: a cabinet; a door movably connected to the cabinet; and an ice-making device disposed on the cabinet or the door. The ice-making device includes: an ice storage box with an ice storage cavity; an ice maker located above the ice storage box; and an ice-detecting structure configured to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box. The ice maker includes: a support connected to the cabinet or the door; a first mold with a first cavity; a second mold with a second cavity, wherein when the first mold and the second mold are in contact, the first cavity and the second cavity form a receiving cavity configured to hold water and form ice blocks under the action of the refrigerator's cooling capacity; and a driving assembly connected to the support, the first mold, and the second mold, configured to drive the first mold and the second mold to move relative to the ice storage box, causing the first mold and the second mold to separate at different ice-falling points in the ice storage cavity to release ice.

[0008] This application also provides an ice-making apparatus, including an ice maker, an ice storage box, and a controller. The ice maker includes a drive assembly, a first mold, and a second mold. The drive assembly is connected to the first mold and the second mold. The controller is configured to control the drive assembly to move the first mold and the second mold so that the first mold and the second mold separate at different ice-falling points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the implementation methods in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ice-making device in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure after removing the water injection box in Figure 2;

[0013] Figure 4 is the front view of Figure 3;

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along direction AA in Figure 4;

[0015] Figure 6 is a left view of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction in Figure 6;

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the CC direction in Figure 6;

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the first state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the second state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the third state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the fourth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the fifth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the sixth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the seventh state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the eighth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the ninth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the tenth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the eleventh state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the ice detection structure in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 20;

[0031] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the ice detection structure in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 23 is a structural block diagram of the controller, ice maker, and ice detection structure in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0034] In related technologies, the ice cubes provided by refrigerators are mainly square and crescent-shaped. Due to their small size, insufficient crystallization, and relatively large surface area, these ice cubes can dilute the original flavor of wines while achieving a cooling effect, due to rapid melting. To meet the needs of users in different scenarios, ice sphere-shaped ice cubes have the smallest surface area for the same mass and high density, allowing for slow melting over a long period when placed in beverages. Therefore, a slow-melting large ice sphere ice maker has been introduced for refrigerators, which can quickly cool beverages while maintaining their texture. Its main principle is to fill the mold cavity with water after the mold is closed to make ice cubes. During the production process, auxiliary process parameters are controlled, and the mold closing and unmolding are achieved through transmission and linkage mechanisms, thereby continuously producing large, highly transparent spherical ice cubes. After the spherical ice cubes are made, a demolding mechanism pushes the spherical ice cubes into the ice storage box below for users to use as needed. The ice-detecting structure then checks the ice level of the ice storage box. When the ice storage box is full, the ice-making process is stopped to prevent excessive ice from overflowing or affecting the operation of the spherical ice maker.

[0035] However, the fixed position where the ice cubes detach from the ice maker causes them to concentrate in a certain area of ​​the ice storage box, easily forming a localized pile-up. When the ice-detecting structure descends and comes into contact with this localized pile-up, it cannot rotate downwards, thus misjudging that the ice level in the storage box has reached the height of the pile-up. This can easily lead to an incorrect reading that the ice storage box is full, resulting in a lower actual ice storage capacity.

[0036] To overcome the deficiencies in related technologies, the refrigerator provided in this application includes a cabinet, a door, and an ice-making device. The ice-making device includes an ice storage box, an ice maker, and an ice-detecting structure. The ice maker is located above the ice storage box and includes a support, a first mold, a second mold, and a drive assembly. The first mold has a first cavity, and the second mold has a second cavity. When the first and second molds come into contact, the first and second cavities form a receiving cavity, which is configured to hold water. The water then forms ice under the cooling effect of the refrigerator. After the ice is formed, the drive assembly drives the first mold to move relative to the ice storage box and drives the second mold to move relative to the ice storage box, thus allowing the ice to fall. The first and second molds can separate at different landing points, allowing the ice to fall to different landing points in the ice storage box. The ice-detecting structure is used to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box. This results in a more uniform distribution of ice in the ice storage box, reduces the likelihood of misjudgment by the ice-detecting structure, and allows for a larger ice storage capacity in the ice storage box.

[0037] The contents of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can have a clearer and more detailed understanding of the contents of this application.

[0038] This application provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator can be a direct-cooling refrigerator or a frost-free refrigerator; the following description uses a frost-free refrigerator as an example.

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a cabinet 100.

[0041] The housing 100 has an inner cavity.

[0042] In some embodiments, housing 100 includes an outer shell.

[0043] The outer casing has a first receiving cavity with a first pick-up and drop-out port and a second pick-up and drop-out port, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the outer casing in the depth direction (direction shown by the Y-axis) of the housing 100. The first pick-up and drop-out port can be located on the front side of the outer casing, and the second pick-up and drop-out port can be located on the rear side of the outer casing.

[0044] In some embodiments, the housing 100 includes a compressor compartment. The compressor compartment is located within the housing, and its opening is opposite to the second loading / unloading port, through which compressors and condensers, etc., can be placed into the compressor compartment.

[0045] In some embodiments, the housing 100 includes an inner liner.

[0046] The inner liner is located inside the outer shell and forms at least one refrigeration compartment. The inner liner has a third access port, which is opposite to the first access port, and items can be placed into the refrigeration compartment through the third access port and the first access port.

[0047] A foam layer is filled between the inner liner, the outer shell, and the compressor chamber. The foam layer is used to insulate the refrigeration chamber, thereby ensuring the refrigeration effect inside the refrigeration chamber.

[0048] In some embodiments, the refrigerator further includes an air duct cover, and the inner liner is provided with an inner cavity. The air duct cover is located in the inner cavity to divide the inner cavity into a cooling compartment and a cold source compartment along the depth direction. The depth direction is the direction shown by the Y-axis.

[0049] The cold source chamber and the refrigeration chamber are interconnected. When the fan is working, the air in the cold source chamber and the cold source chamber circulates. The refrigeration chamber can be any of the following: a refrigerator chamber, a freezer chamber, or a variable temperature chamber.

[0050] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a door 200.

[0051] The door 200 is movably connected to the box 100. The door 200 is openable and closable on the front side of the box 100 to close and open the cold source chamber, and to take out and put in items in the cold source chamber.

[0052] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a refrigeration system.

[0053] A refrigeration system may include a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, and an evaporator. The compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are connected in series via piping, through which refrigerant flows. The compressor and condenser may be located in the compressor compartment, while the evaporator may be located in the cold source chamber.

[0054] When the compressor is working, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas in the compressor cylinder before being discharged into the condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas dissipates heat through the condenser, its temperature continuously decreasing until it is gradually cooled into room-temperature, high-pressure saturated vapor, and further cooled into saturated liquid. The pressure of the refrigerant remains almost constant throughout the condensation process. The throttling device may include a pressure reducing pipe or an electronic expansion valve. This application describes the throttling device as including a pressure reducing pipe, as pressure reducing pipes are low in cost and less prone to malfunction. After condensation, the saturated refrigerant liquid undergoes throttling and pressure reduction through the pressure reducing pipe, transforming the refrigerant into room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor. Subsequently, the room-temperature, low-pressure wet vapor absorbs heat and vaporizes through the evaporator, lowering not only the temperature of the evaporator and its surroundings but also transforming the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. The evaporator cools the air in the cold source chamber, lowering its temperature. Under the action of a fan, the cold air in the cold source chamber flows through the duct cover into the refrigeration room, thus lowering the temperature of the refrigeration room. The refrigerant exiting the evaporator returns to the compressor, repeating the above process so that the evaporator can continuously cool the air in the cold source chamber, thereby maintaining the refrigerated chamber at the set temperature.

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice-making device in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the refrigerator includes an ice-making device 300.

[0057] The ice-making device 300 is installed in the cabinet 100 or the door 200.

[0058] In some embodiments, the ice-making device 300 includes an ice storage box 310. The ice storage box 310 is used to store ice.

[0059] The ice storage box 310 can be installed inside the refrigeration room, or it can be installed on the door 200.

[0060] Specifically, the ice storage box 310 can be installed in the freezer compartment.

[0061] The ice storage box 310 is equipped with an ice storage cavity 311.

[0062] In some embodiments, the ice-making apparatus 300 includes an ice maker 320. The ice maker 320 is used to make ice cubes.

[0063] The ice maker 320 is located above the ice storage box 310. The ice blocks produced by the ice maker 320 can fall into the ice storage box 310.

[0064] The ice maker 320 can be installed inside the refrigeration room, or it can be installed on the door 200.

[0065] Specifically, the ice maker 320 can be installed in the freezer compartment.

[0066] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure after removing the water injection box in Figure 2, Figure 4 is the front view of Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a sectional view along the AA direction in Figure 4.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, in some embodiments, the ice maker 320 includes a support 321.

[0068] The bracket 321 is connected to the box 100 or the door 200. The bracket 321 can serve as a load-bearing component.

[0069] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 includes a first mold 322.

[0070] The first mold 322 is provided with a first mold cavity.

[0071] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 includes a second mold 323.

[0072] The second mold 323 is provided with a second mold cavity.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7, when the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 come into contact, the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity 340. The receiving cavity 340 is configured to contain water, which forms ice under the cooling effect of the refrigeration system.

[0074] In some embodiments, the number of first mold cavities is at least one, and the number of second mold cavities is at least one. The first mold cavities and the second mold cavities are correspondingly arranged, and when the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 come into contact, at least one receiving cavity 340 is formed.

[0075] Specifically, there are three first mold cavities, which are spaced apart. There are also three second mold cavities, which are spaced apart. The three first mold cavities and the three second mold cavities are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. When the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 come into contact, they form three mutually separated receiving cavities 340.

[0076] In some embodiments, the shape of the ice cube is the same as the shape of the receiving cavity 340. The ice cube can be spherical, star-shaped, or irregular in shape, etc., which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0077] Specifically, the first mold 322 has a first opening that communicates with a first mold cavity. The second mold 323 has a second opening that communicates with a second mold cavity. When the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 are in contact, the first opening and the second opening communicate with each other. The first opening and the second opening form a water inlet 324. It should be noted that there is at least one water inlet 324, and each water inlet 324 can be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a receiving cavity 340. That is, the number of water inlets 324 can be the same as the number of receiving cavities 340, with one receiving cavity 340 corresponding to one water inlet 324. In other embodiments, only one water inlet may be provided, and the receiving cavities 340 may communicate with each other to share the water inlet.

[0078] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 includes a water injection assembly. The water injection assembly is used to inject water into the receiving cavity 340.

[0079] In some embodiments, the water injection assembly includes a water tank. The water tank may be located inside a refrigerator compartment.

[0080] In some embodiments, the water injection assembly includes a water injection box 400.

[0081] The water inlet box 400 can be connected to a water source, which can be an external water source or a water tank.

[0082] The water injection box 400 is mounted on the support 321 and is located above the first mold 322 and the second mold 323. When the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 move to the water injection position and form the receiving cavity 340, the water in the water injection box 400 can enter the receiving cavity 340 through the water injection port 324.

[0083] In some embodiments, the water injection assembly includes a water pump connected to the water injection box 400. When the water pump receives a water injection command, it injects water from the water source into the receiving cavity 340 through the water injection box 400 and the water injection port 324.

[0084] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, in some embodiments, the ice maker 320 includes a drive assembly 325.

[0085] The drive assembly 325 is connected to the first mold 322 and the second mold 323. The drive assembly 325 is configured to drive the first mold 322 to move relative to the ice storage box 310, and the drive assembly 325 is configured to drive the second mold 323 to move relative to the ice storage box 310.

[0086] Understandably, compared to the movement of the ice maker 320 relative to the ice storage box 310, the drive assembly 325 drives the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move, resulting in a smaller load and lower energy consumption. Furthermore, it occupies less space.

[0087] It should be noted that the drive component 325 can drive the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously, the drive component 325 can drive one of the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move, and the drive component 325 can drive the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to separate from each other or move closer to each other.

[0088] After the water in the receiving cavity 340 freezes, the drive assembly 325 drives the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move, thereby achieving separation at different freezing points and dropping the ice blocks into the ice storage box 310. It can be understood that after the first ice-making process, the ice maker 320 drops ice at the first freezing point. Then, the ice maker 320 continues to make ice, and after that, drops ice at the second freezing point, thus improving the uniformity of ice distribution in the ice storage box 310.

[0089] In some embodiments, the ice-making device 300 includes an ice-detecting structure 330.

[0090] The ice detection structure 330 is configured to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310.

[0091] For example, the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 can be the height of the ice blocks.

[0092] Referring to Figure 23, in some embodiments, the ice-making device 300 includes a controller 600.

[0093] The controller 600 is electrically connected to the ice detection structure 330. The controller 600 is also electrically connected to the ice maker 320. The controller 600 is configured to control the operation of the ice maker 320 based on the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310.

[0094] Specifically, the controller 600 is electrically connected to the drive assembly 325. The controller 600 is configured to control the operation of the drive assembly 325 based on the ice storage volume to control the ice drop position.

[0095] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the drive component 325 includes a first drive component 3251.

[0096] The first drive assembly 3251 is connected to the first mold 322 and to the bracket 321. The first drive assembly 3251 is configured to drive the first mold 322 to move relative to the ice storage box 310.

[0097] In some embodiments, the driving component 325 includes a second driving component 3252.

[0098] The second drive assembly 3252 is connected to the second mold 323 and to the bracket 321. The second drive assembly 3252 is configured to drive the second mold 323 to move relative to the ice storage box 310.

[0099] It is understandable that the first mold 322 is driven by the first drive component 3251, and the second mold 323 is driven by the second drive component 3252. In this way, the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 are driven separately, which is easier to control and implement.

[0100] In other embodiments, the drive assembly includes a dual-axis output motor, which includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The first output shaft is connected to a first mold 322 via a transmission structure, such as a gear and rack. The second output shaft is connected to a second mold 323 via a transmission structure, such as a gear and rack. The dual-axis output motor is an independently controllable dual-axis output motor, and the first and second output shafts can rotate at different speeds and directions.

[0101] Figure 6 is a left view of Figure 1, Figure 7 is a sectional view along the BB direction in Figure 6, and Figure 8 is a sectional view along the CC direction in Figure 6.

[0102] Referring to Figures 3 and 6 to 8, in some embodiments, the first drive assembly 3251 includes a first drive element 3251a.

[0103] The first driving component 3251a is connected to the bracket 321.

[0104] Specifically, the first drive component 3251a can be a single-axis motor. Alternatively, the first drive component 3251a can be a hydraulic drive component, such as a hydraulic motor.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first drive component 3251 includes a first drive wheel 3251b.

[0106] The first transmission wheel 3251b is connected to the drive shaft of the first driving member 3251a.

[0107] Specifically, the first transmission wheel 3251b can be a gear.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first drive wheel 3251b may be a pulley.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first drive component 3251 includes a first transmission element 3251c.

[0110] The first transmission component 3251c is connected to the first transmission wheel 3251b, and the first mold 322 is connected to the first transmission component 3251c.

[0111] Specifically, the first transmission component 3251c can be a rack. The extension direction of the rack is consistent with the movement direction of the first mold 322.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first transmission element 3251c may be a belt.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first drive component 3251 includes a first drive shaft 3251d.

[0114] The first drive shaft 3251d is connected to the first drive wheel 3251b on one side along its extension direction. The extension direction of the first drive shaft 3251d is parallel to the extension direction of the first mold 322. Specifically, the extension direction of the first drive shaft 3251d can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the rack.

[0115] It should be noted that the first drive shaft 3251d can extend in the direction shown by the X-axis. The first mold 322 can extend in the direction shown by the X-axis. The rack can extend in the direction shown by the Y-axis.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 3251 includes a second drive wheel 3251e.

[0117] The second drive wheel 3251e is connected to the other side of the first drive shaft 3251d along the extension direction.

[0118] Specifically, the second drive wheel 3251e can be a gear.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second drive wheel 3251e may be a pulley.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first drive component 3251 includes a second transmission element 3251f.

[0121] The second transmission component 3251f is connected to the second transmission wheel 3251e, the extension direction of the second transmission component 3251f is parallel to the extension direction of the first transmission component 3251c, and the first mold 322 is connected to the second transmission component 3251f.

[0122] It should be noted that the extension direction of the second transmission component 3251f and the extension direction of the first transmission component 3251c can be the direction shown by the Y axis.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second transmission member 3251f can be a rack and pinion. Alternatively, the second transmission member 3251f can be a belt. Exemplarily, the belt can be a flat belt or a timing belt, etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the structure of the second transmission member 3251f may be the same as that of the first transmission member 3251c.

[0125] When the first mold 322 needs to be moved, the first driving member 3251a drives the first transmission wheel 3251b to rotate. The first transmission wheel 3251b drives the second transmission wheel 3251e to rotate through the first transmission shaft 3251d. The first transmission wheel 3251b drives the first transmission member 3251c, and the second transmission wheel 3251e drives the first mold 322 to move through the second transmission member 3251f.

[0126] Specifically, when the first transmission wheel 3251b is a gear, the first transmission component 3251c is a rack, the second transmission wheel 3251e is a gear, and the second transmission component 3251f is a rack: the first driving component 3251a drives the first transmission wheel 3251b to rotate, the first transmission wheel 3251b drives the first transmission component 3251c to move horizontally, the first transmission wheel 3251b drives the first transmission shaft 3251d to rotate, the first transmission shaft 3251d drives the second transmission wheel 3251e to rotate, and the second transmission wheel 3251e drives the second transmission component 3251f to move horizontally. The first transmission component 3251c and the second transmission component 3251f together drive the first mold 322 to move.

[0127] It is understandable that by setting the first drive shaft 3251d, the second drive wheel 3251e, and the second drive component 3251f, the first mold 322 has connection points on both sides along the extension direction. The first drive component 3251c and the second drive component 3251f work together to move the first mold 322, resulting in a high degree of stability in the movement.

[0128] In some embodiments, one of the first mold 322 and the bracket 321 is provided with a first guide structure, and the other is provided with a second guide structure. The first guide structure and the second guide structure are matched with each other and are slidably connected. Exemplarily, one of the first guide structure and the second guide structure may include a groove, and the other includes a sliding block that matches the groove.

[0129] Referring to Figures 3 and 6 to 8, in some embodiments, the second drive assembly 3252 includes a second drive element 3252a.

[0130] The second driving component 3252a is connected to the bracket 321.

[0131] Specifically, the second drive element 3252a can be a single-axis motor. Alternatively, the second drive element 3252a can be a hydraulic drive element, such as a hydraulic motor.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second drive component 3252 includes a third drive wheel 3252b.

[0133] The third transmission wheel 3252b is connected to the drive shaft of the second drive member 3252a.

[0134] Specifically, the third drive wheel 3252b can be a gear.

[0135] In some embodiments, the third drive wheel 3252b may be a pulley.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second drive component 3252 includes a third transmission element 3252c.

[0137] The third transmission component 3252c is connected to the third transmission wheel 3252b, and the second mold 323 is connected to the third transmission component 3252c.

[0138] Specifically, the third transmission component 3252c can be a rack. The extension direction of the rack is consistent with the movement direction of the second mold 323.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second drive component 3252 includes a second drive shaft 3252d.

[0140] The second drive shaft 3252d is connected to the third drive wheel 3252b on one side along its extension direction, and the extension direction of the second drive shaft 3252d is parallel to the extension direction of the second mold 323.

[0141] It should be noted that the extension direction of the second drive shaft 3252d can be the direction shown by the X-axis. The extension direction of the second mold 323 can be the direction shown by the X-axis. The extension direction of the rack can be the direction shown by the Y-axis.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second drive assembly 3252 includes a fourth drive wheel 3252e.

[0143] The fourth drive wheel 3252e is connected to the other side of the second drive shaft 3252d along the extension direction.

[0144] Specifically, the fourth drive wheel 3252e can be a gear.

[0145] In some embodiments, the fourth drive wheel 3252e may be a pulley.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second drive component 3252 includes a fourth transmission element 3252f.

[0147] The fourth transmission component 3252f is connected to the fourth transmission wheel 3252e, the extension direction of the fourth transmission component 3252f is parallel to the extension direction of the third transmission component 3252c, and the second mold 323 is connected to the fourth transmission component 3252f.

[0148] In some embodiments, the fourth transmission member 3252f can be a rack and pinion. Alternatively, the fourth transmission member 3252f can be a belt.

[0149] In some embodiments, the structure of the fourth transmission member 3252f may be the same as that of the third transmission member 3252c.

[0150] When the second mold 323 needs to be moved, the second driving component 3252a drives the third transmission wheel 3252b to rotate, and the third transmission wheel 3252b drives the fourth transmission wheel 3252e to rotate through the second transmission shaft 3252d. The third transmission wheel 3252b, through the third transmission component 3252c, and the fourth transmission wheel 3252e, through the fourth transmission component 3252f, jointly drive the second mold 323 to move.

[0151] Specifically, when the third transmission wheel 3252b is a gear, the third transmission component 3252c is a rack, the fourth transmission wheel 3252e is a gear, and the fourth transmission component 3252f is a rack, the second driving component 3252a drives the third transmission wheel 3252b to rotate, the third transmission wheel 3252b drives the third transmission component 3252c to move horizontally, the third transmission wheel 3252b drives the second transmission shaft 3252d to rotate, the second transmission shaft 3252d drives the fourth transmission wheel 3252e to rotate, and the fourth transmission wheel 3252e drives the fourth transmission component 3252f to move horizontally. The third transmission component 3252c and the fourth transmission component together drive the second mold 323 to move.

[0152] It is understandable that by setting the second drive shaft 3252d, the fourth drive wheel 3252e, and the fourth drive component 3252f, the second mold 323 has connection points on both sides along the extension direction. The third drive component 3252c and the fourth drive component 3252f work together to move the second mold 323, resulting in a high degree of stability in movement.

[0153] In some embodiments, one of the second mold 323 and the bracket 321 is provided with a third guide structure, and the other is provided with a fourth guide structure. The third guide structure and the fourth guide structure are matched with each other and are slidably connected. Exemplarily, one of the third guide structure and the fourth guide structure may include a groove, and the other includes a sliding block that matches the groove.

[0154] It should be noted that the structure of the first drive assembly 3251 is the same as that of the second drive assembly 3252, thereby improving versatility and reducing manufacturing difficulty. For example, the first drive member 3251a and the second drive member 3252a have the same structure. The first transmission wheel 3251b and the third transmission wheel 3252b have the same structure. The first transmission member 3251c and the third transmission member 3252c have the same structure, and so on. This embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 move along a first direction, positioned above the ice storage box and parallel to it. Optionally, the first direction is consistent with the extension direction of the ice storage box 310. The first direction is the direction indicated by the Y-axis.

[0156] In some embodiments, the ice storage cavity includes at least two regions, which are arranged side by side along a first direction and are interconnected.

[0157] It should be noted that the lengths of each region along the first direction can be equal. Alternatively, the lengths of each region along the first direction can be unequal. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations here.

[0158] The ice maker 320 has at least two ice-dropping points, which are set one-to-one with at least two areas. The ice-dropping points are located above the corresponding areas, for example, above the midpoint of the corresponding area along the first direction.

[0159] In some embodiments, the ice storage cavity includes three regions arranged side-by-side along a first direction and interconnected. The ice maker 320 has three ice-dropping points, each corresponding to one of the three regions. The ice-dropping point is the location of the ice block when the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 are separated.

[0160] Understandably, by setting the ice-falling point at the midpoint of the corresponding area along the first direction, the ice blocks are less likely to fall into other areas after falling, thus improving the uniformity of ice distribution.

[0161] Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the dimension of the first transmission member 3251c along the first direction is greater than the radius of the travel distance minus the rated ice block size, and the dimension of the second transmission member 3251f along the first direction is greater than the radius of the travel distance minus the rated ice block size. In some embodiments, the dimension of the first transmission member 3251c along the first direction is greater than the travel distance, and the dimension of the second transmission member 3251f along the first direction is greater than the travel distance.

[0162] Among them, at least two regions include a first region and a third region. The first region is close to one end of the ice storage box 310, and the ice landing point corresponding to the first region is the first ice landing point g. The third region is close to the other end of the ice storage box 310, and the ice landing point corresponding to the third region is the third ice landing point n. The distance between the first ice landing point g and the third ice landing point n along the first direction is the travel distance.

[0163] It should be noted that the rated ice cube size refers to the rated size of the ice cubes produced by the ice maker 320. For example, a sphere with a radius of 1.5 cm or a sphere with a radius of 2 cm. Specifically, when the size of the receiving cavity 340 formed by the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 is fixed, the rated size of the ice cubes produced by the ice maker 320 is fixed and is the same as the size of the receiving cavity 340.

[0164] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the axis of the first drive wheel 3251b toward the horizontal plane where the first freezing point g is located coincides with the first freezing point g.

[0165] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the axis of the second drive wheel 3251e toward the horizontal plane where the third freezing point n is located coincides with the third freezing point n.

[0166] It is understandable that fixing the first transmission wheel 3251b and the second transmission wheel 3251e at the two extreme positions of ice removal (the first ice landing point g and the third ice landing point n) means that the rack only needs to cover the distance between these two extreme positions, without needing additional length to accommodate the range of motion of the drive mechanism. This fixed transmission point design reduces the necessary length of the rack.

[0167] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, in some embodiments, an ice guide 500 is also included. When ice is poured from the first mold 322 and the second mold 323, the ice blocks pass through the ice guide 500 into the ice storage box 310.

[0168] The ice guide 500 is located below the ice maker 320 and above the ice storage box 310.

[0169] In some embodiments, the ice guide 500 is provided with at least two ice guide channels 510, which are spaced apart and communicate with the ice storage cavity.

[0170] When the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 separate at different freezing points, the ice blocks in the receiving cavity 340 enter the ice storage cavity through different ice guiding channels 510.

[0171] It is understandable that by setting up the ice guide 500, which has mutually separated ice guide channels 510, it is beneficial to guide the ice blocks to different positions in the ice storage cavity and improve the uniformity of ice block distribution.

[0172] In some embodiments, referring to FIG9, the number of ice guiding channels 510 is at least three, and the at least three ice guiding channels 510 include a first ice guiding channel 511, a second ice guiding channel 512 and a third ice guiding channel 513, with the second ice guiding channel 512 located between the first ice guiding channel 511 and the third ice guiding channel 513.

[0173] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, in some embodiments, along the extending direction of the ice storage box 310, the inner wall of the first ice guiding channel 511 near the second ice guiding channel 512 is curved away from the second ice guiding channel 512. The ice guiding component 500 has a first opening 514 at one end along the extending direction of the ice storage box 310. The first opening 514 communicates with the first ice guiding channel 511 and also with the ice storage cavity. Thus, when ice enters the ice storage cavity through the first ice guiding channel 511, the ice is more likely to approach the extending end of the ice storage box 310 and be farther from the second ice guiding channel 512, which helps reduce the probability of ice accumulation.

[0174] Along the vertical direction from top to bottom, the distance between the two opposing inner walls of the second ice guiding channel 512 decreases along the extension direction of the ice storage box 310. This allows ice to easily enter the second ice guiding channel 512 and, as it moves along it, move away from the first ice guiding channel 511 and the third ice guiding channel 513, thus reducing the probability of ice accumulation. The vertical direction is indicated by the Z-axis.

[0175] Along the extending direction of the ice storage box 310, the inner wall of the third ice guiding channel 513, near the second ice guiding channel 512, bends away from the second ice guiding channel 512. The ice guiding component 500 has a second opening 515 at its other end along the extending direction of the ice storage box 310. The second opening 515 communicates with the third ice guiding channel 513 and also with the ice storage cavity. Thus, when ice enters the ice storage cavity through the third ice guiding channel 513, the ice is more likely to be closer to the extending end of the ice storage box 310 and farther from the second ice guiding channel 512, which helps reduce the probability of ice accumulation.

[0176] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the ice detection structure 330 includes an ice detection rod 3300, which is rotatably connected to the support 321. The ice detection rod 3300 rotates relative to the support 321 to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310. It should be noted that the structure of the ice detection rod 3300 can be a commonly used ice detection rod structure in related technologies, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0177] In some embodiments, the controller 600 is configured to:

[0178] The ice probe 3300 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0179] If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0180] If not, the ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice sequentially at at least two ice-dropping points, and after each ice drop, the ice probe 3300 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 to determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full. Once it is determined that the ice storage box 310 is full, the ice maker 320 is controlled to stop operating.

[0181] For example, when there are two freezing points, the two freezing points include a first freezing point g and a second freezing point m. If the ice storage box 310 is not full, the ice maker 320 checks the ice quantity after ice falls at the first freezing point g. If the ice storage box 310 is not full, the ice maker 320 checks the ice quantity after ice falls at the second freezing point m. If the ice storage box 310 is not full, the ice maker 320 checks the ice quantity after ice falls at the first freezing point g. If the ice storage box 310 is not full, the ice maker 320 checks the ice quantity after ice falls at the second freezing point m. The above steps are repeated until the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0182] Understandably, by dropping ice at different locations, the uniformity of ice distribution in the ice storage box 310 is improved, thereby reducing the probability of misjudgment by the ice probe 3300.

[0183] In some embodiments, a method for controlling a refrigerator is also provided:

[0184] S101. Control the ice probe 3300 to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0185] S102. If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0186] S103. If not, control the ice maker 320 to drop ice sequentially at at least two ice-dropping points, and after each ice drop, control the ice probe 3300 to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310, and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full, until it is determined that the ice storage box 310 is full, and control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0187] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the ice maker 320 further includes a first ice-lifting component 326. The first ice-lifting component 326 is used to separate the ice from the first mold 322.

[0188] The first ice element 326 is connected to the support 321.

[0189] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 further includes a second ice-lifting component 327. The second ice-lifting component 327 is used to separate ice blocks from the second mold 323.

[0190] The second ice-top component 327 is connected to the support 321, the first ice-top component 326 and the second ice-top component 327 are arranged on opposite sides of the support 321 along the first direction, and the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 move along the first direction.

[0191] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 further includes a water injection assembly. The water injection assembly is used to inject water into the receiving cavity 340 formed by the first mold 322 and the second mold 323.

[0192] The water injection component is electrically connected to the controller 600.

[0193] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 has at least three ice-falling points. The at least three ice-falling points include a first ice-falling point g, a second ice-falling point m, and a third ice-falling point n, wherein the second ice-falling point m is located between the first ice-falling point g and the third ice-falling point n along a first direction. The first direction is the direction indicated by the Y-axis.

[0194] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the first state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0195] In some embodiments, controlling the ice maker 320 to sequentially and cyclically drop ice at at least two ice-dropping points includes:

[0196] Control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move away from each other to the two ends in the first direction.

[0197] For ease of understanding, the following description uses the travel distance (e.g., L) of the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 as the representation of motion. In the actual operation of the ice maker 320, the travel distance of the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 is controlled by controlling the working time of the motor. For example, the travel distance of the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 is actually controlled by the motor working for a certain time T. However, due to some limiting structures of the ice maker 320, the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 may not actually travel the travel distance of L, but the drive motor will still work for T (for overdrive to eliminate errors and for full mold closing, etc.).

[0198] The first mold 322 is controlled to move toward the second mold 323, and the second mold 323 is controlled to move toward the first mold 322, so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity 340, as shown in Figure 9. In this way, the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 close together and provide a corresponding closing force, and the ice mold is tightly closed to form the receiving cavity 340, which has high reliability.

[0199] Where L is the distance between the first freezing point g and the third freezing point n.

[0200] In some embodiments, controlling the ice maker 320 to sequentially and cyclically drop ice at at least two ice-dropping points includes:

[0201] The water injection component is controlled to inject water into the receiving cavity 340. After the water injection stops, a preset time is waited for ice to form.

[0202] Specifically, the water valve is opened for a certain period of time, and a certain amount of water is injected into the receiving cavity 340 from the water inlet 324. After the water is in a low-temperature environment for a certain period of time, it freezes into ice.

[0203] In some embodiments, controlling the ice maker 320 to sequentially and cyclically drop ice at at least two ice-dropping points includes:

[0204] The ice probe 3300 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310. It is then determined whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0205] If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0206] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the second state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0207] If not, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously by a distance L / 2–R toward the side of the second mold 323 away from the first mold 322, until the second mold 323 contacts the second top ice piece 327, where R is less than the radius of the rated ice block size, as shown in Figure 10.

[0208] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the third state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0209] Control the second mold 323 to move a distance R away from the side of the first mold 322 so that the ice block is separated from the second mold 323, as shown in Figure 11.

[0210] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the fourth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0211] The first mold 322 and the second mold 323 are controlled to move synchronously by a distance L–R toward the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 until the first mold 322 contacts the first top ice piece 326, so that the ice block is detached from the first mold 322. See Figure 12.

[0212] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the fifth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0213] Control the second mold 323 to move away from the first mold 322, for example, by a distance LR, so that the ice block falls at the first freezing point g. See Figure 13.

[0214] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the sixth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0215] The first mold 322 is controlled to move toward the second mold 323, and the second mold 323 is controlled to move toward the first mold 322, so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity 340. See Figure 14. In this way, the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 close together and provide a corresponding closing force, and the ice mold is tightly closed to form the receiving cavity 340, which has high reliability.

[0216] The water injection component is controlled to inject water into the receiving cavity. After the water injection stops, a preset time is waited for ice to form.

[0217] Specifically, the water valve is opened for a certain period of time, and a certain amount of water is injected into the receiving cavity 340 from the water inlet 324. After the water is in a low-temperature environment for a certain period of time, it freezes into ice.

[0218] The ice probe 3300 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0219] If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0220] If not, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously by a distance L / 2–R toward the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 until the first mold 322 contacts the first top ice component 326.

[0221] Control the first mold 322 to move away from the second mold 323 by a distance R, so that the ice block is separated from the first mold 322.

[0222] Control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously by a distance L–R toward the side of the second mold 323 away from the first mold 322, until the second mold 323 contacts the second top ice piece 327, so that the ice block is separated from the second mold 323.

[0223] Control the first mold 322 to move away from the second mold 323, for example, move it a distance of LR, and the ice block falls at the third freezing point n.

[0224] The first mold 322 is controlled to move toward the second mold 323, and the second mold 323 is controlled to move toward the first mold 322, so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity 340. In this way, the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 close together and provide a corresponding closing force, and the ice mold is tightly closed to form the receiving cavity 340, which has high reliability.

[0225] The water injection component is controlled to inject water into the receiving cavity 340. After the water injection stops, a preset time is waited for ice to form.

[0226] The ice probe 3300 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0227] If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0228] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the seventh state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0229] If not, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously by a distance L / 2–R toward the side of the second mold 323 away from the first mold 322, until the second mold 323 contacts the second top ice component 327. See Figure 15.

[0230] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the eighth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0231] Control the second mold 323 to move away from the first mold 322 by a distance R, so that the ice block is separated from the second mold 323, see Figure 16.

[0232] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the ninth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0233] The first mold 322 and the second mold 323 are moved synchronously by a distance LR towards the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 until the ice block contacts the first top ice piece 326, so that the ice block detaches from the first mold 322. See Figure 17.

[0234] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the tenth state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0235] Control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously to above the second freezing point m, for example, by moving a distance of L / 2-R / 2. See Figure 18.

[0236] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the eleventh state of the ice maker and ice storage box in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0237] The first mold 322 is controlled to move away from the second mold 323 by a distance greater than L / 2 - R / 2, and the second mold 323 is controlled to move away from the first mold 322 by a distance greater than L / 2 - R / 2, so that the ice block falls at the second freezing point m. See Figure 19.

[0238] The ice probe 3300 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0239] If not, repeat the steps at the first freezing point g, the third freezing point n, and the second freezing point m until the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0240] It should be noted that the order in which the ice maker 320 drops ice from the first ice-dropping point g, the third ice-dropping point n, and the second ice-dropping point m can be set according to requirements. For example, ice can be dropped sequentially from the first ice-dropping point g, the third ice-dropping point n, and the second ice-dropping point m, or sequentially from the second ice-dropping point m, the third ice-dropping point n, and the first ice-dropping point g, etc.

[0241] In some embodiments, a method for controlling a refrigerator is also provided:

[0242] S201. Control the ice probe 3300 to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310. Determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0243] S202. If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0244] S203. If not, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously toward the side of the second mold 323 away from the first mold 322 until the second mold 323 contacts the second top ice piece 327, where R is less than the radius of the rated ice block size.

[0245] S204. Control the second mold 323 to move a distance R away from the side opposite to the first mold 322 so that the ice block is separated from the second mold 323.

[0246] S205. Control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously toward the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 until the first mold 322 contacts the first top ice piece 326 so that the ice block is separated from the first mold 322.

[0247] S206. Control the second mold 323 to move away from the first mold 322, for example, move it a distance of LR, and the ice block falls at the first freezing point g.

[0248] S207. Control the first mold 322 to move toward the second mold 323, and control the second mold 323 to move toward the first mold 322, so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity 340.

[0249] S208. Control the water injection component to inject water into the receiving cavity 340, and wait for a preset time after the water injection stops to form ice.

[0250] S209. Control the ice probe 3300 to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0251] S210, If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0252] S211. If not, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously toward the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 until the first mold 322 contacts the first top ice component 326.

[0253] S212, control the first mold 322 to move away from the second mold 323 by a distance R, so that the ice block is separated from the first mold 322.

[0254] S213, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously toward the side of the second mold 323 away from the first mold 322, until the second mold 323 contacts the second top ice piece 327, so that the ice block is separated from the second mold 323.

[0255] S214. Control the first mold 322 to move away from the second mold 323, for example, move it by a distance of LR, and the ice block falls at the third freezing point n.

[0256] S215. Control the first mold 322 to move toward the second mold 323, and control the second mold 323 to move toward the first mold 322, so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity 340.

[0257] S216. Control the water injection component to inject water into the receiving cavity 340, and wait for a preset time after the water injection stops to form ice.

[0258] S217. Control the ice probe 3300 to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box 310 and determine whether the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0259] S218. If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0260] S219. If not, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously toward the side of the second mold 323 away from the first mold 322, until the second mold 323 contacts the second top ice component 327. See Figure 16.

[0261] S220, control the second mold 323 to move away from the first mold 322 by a distance R, so that the ice block is separated from the second mold 323.

[0262] S221. Control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously toward the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 until the ice block comes into contact with the first top ice piece 326, so that the ice block is separated from the first mold 322.

[0263] S222, control the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 to move synchronously to the side of the first mold 322 away from the second mold 323 to above the second freezing point m, for example, move a distance of L / 2-R / 2.

[0264] S223, control the first mold 322 to move away from the second mold 323 by a distance greater than L / 2 - R / 2, and control the second mold 323 to move towards the first mold 322 by a distance greater than L / 2 - R / 2, so that the ice block falls at the second freezing point m. See Figure 19.

[0265] S224. If not, repeat the steps above for the first freezing point g, the third freezing point n, and the second freezing point m until the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0266] Controlling the movement of the first and second molds by a predetermined distance can be achieved by controlling the operating time of a drive component such as a motor. Alternatively, it can be achieved by using position sensors to detect the positions of the first and second molds.

[0267] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the ice-detecting structure in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of yet another structure of the ice-detecting structure in the refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0268] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, in some embodiments, the ice storage cavity includes at least two regions arranged side-by-side along a first direction and interconnected. The ice detection structure 330 includes at least two first sensors 331, each corresponding to one of the at least two regions. The first sensors 331 are configured to detect the amount of ice stored in their respective regions, thereby detecting whether each region of the ice storage box 310 is full.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first sensor 331 may be an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the ice storage box 310.

[0270] Specifically, the first sensor 331 includes an infrared transmitter 3311 and an infrared receiver 3312. The infrared transmitter 3311 and the infrared receiver 3312 are arranged opposite to each other. If the infrared receiver 3312 receives light emitted by the infrared transmitter 3311, it indicates that the area is not full of ice. If the infrared receiver 3312 does not receive light emitted by the infrared transmitter 3311, it indicates that the area is full of ice.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first sensor 331 may be a vision sensor.

[0272] In some embodiments, the controller 600 is configured to:

[0273] The first sensor 331 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the corresponding area.

[0274] Determine if the ice storage chamber is full.

[0275] If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0276] If not, the ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice into areas where the ice level is not full, and the first sensor 331 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the corresponding area until the ice storage box 310 is full, at which point the ice maker 320 is controlled to stop operating.

[0277] In some embodiments, the ice storage cavity includes three regions arranged side-by-side along a first direction and interconnected. The ice maker 320 has three ice-falling points: a first ice-falling point g, a second ice-falling point m, and a third ice-falling point n. Along the first direction, the second ice-falling point m is located between the first ice-falling point g and the third ice-falling point n. The first direction is the direction indicated by the Y-axis. The first ice-falling point g corresponds to the first region, the second ice-falling point m corresponds to the second region, and the third ice-falling point n corresponds to the third region.

[0278] When the first sensor 331 detects that the ice level in all three areas has not reached the full ice position, the ice maker 320 drops ice in a preset sequence. For example, it drops ice in the order of first ice drop point n, third ice drop point n, and second ice drop point m, until a certain area is detected to be full of ice.

[0279] When the first sensor 331 detects that the ice level in a certain area has reached the full ice position, the ice maker 320 does not drop ice in that area, but skips this area and drops ice in the order of first ice drop point m and second ice drop point n. (If the first area is detected to be full, the ice dropping continues in the cycle of third ice drop point n → second ice drop point m → third ice drop point n → second ice drop point m. If the second area is detected to be full, the ice dropping continues in the cycle of first ice drop point g → third ice drop point n → first ice drop point g → third ice drop point n) until two areas are detected to be full.

[0280] When the first sensor 331 detects that the ice level in two areas has reached the full ice position, the ice maker 320 stops dropping ice in those two areas and continues to drop ice in the remaining areas until all three areas—the first area, the second area, and the third area—are full of ice, at which point the ice maker 320 stops dropping ice.

[0281] In some embodiments, a method for controlling a refrigerator is also provided, comprising:

[0282] S301, Control the first sensor 331 to detect the amount of ice stored in the corresponding area.

[0283] S302. Determine whether the ice storage chamber is full.

[0284] S303, If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0285] S304. If not, control the ice maker 320 to drop ice in areas where the ice volume is not full, and control the first sensor 331 to detect the ice volume in the corresponding area until the ice storage box 310 is full, then control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0286] In some embodiments, the ice maker 320 is controlled to dispense ice into areas where the ice level is not yet full, and the first sensor 331 is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the corresponding area until the ice storage box 310 is full, at which point the ice maker 320 is controlled to stop operating, including:

[0287] S305. If the ice volume in each area is not full, control the ice maker 320 to drop ice sequentially at different ice-dropping points in a preset order.

[0288] S306. If the ice volume in some areas is not full, control the ice maker 320 to drop ice in the areas where the ice volume is not full in a preset order.

[0289] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the ice detection structure in the refrigerator provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0290] Referring to Figure 22, in some embodiments, the ice detection structure 330 includes a second sensor 332, which is configured to detect the height values ​​of ice blocks in at least two regions.

[0291] Specifically, the second sensor 332 can be a microwave radar. Alternatively, the second sensor 332 can be an ultrasonic sensor.

[0292] Controller 600 is configured as follows:

[0293] The second sensor 332 is controlled to detect the height values ​​of ice blocks in at least two regions.

[0294] Determine whether the ice storage chamber is full.

[0295] If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop operating.

[0296] If not, compare the height values ​​of the ice cubes.

[0297] The ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice at the area corresponding to the minimum height value of the ice blocks, and the second sensor 332 is controlled to detect the height value of the ice blocks in at least two areas until the ice storage box 310 is full, at which point the ice maker 320 is controlled to stop operating.

[0298] In some embodiments, the ice storage cavity includes three regions arranged side-by-side along a first direction and interconnected. The ice maker 320 has three ice-falling points: a first ice-falling point g, a second ice-falling point m, and a third ice-falling point n. Along the first direction, the second ice-falling point m is located between the first ice-falling point g and the third ice-falling point n. The first direction is the direction indicated by the Y-axis. The first ice-falling point g corresponds to the first region, the second ice-falling point m corresponds to the second region, and the third ice-falling point n corresponds to the third region.

[0299] When the second sensor 332 detects that the ice level in all three areas has not reached the full ice position, the real-time height of each area in the ice storage box 310 is detected by the second sensor 332, and the ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice into the area with the lowest ice level.

[0300] When the second sensor 332 detects that the ice level in the three areas has not reached the full ice position, and the ice level height in the three areas is the same, the ice maker 320 drops ice in a preset sequence. For example, it drops ice in the order of the first drop point g, the third drop point n, and the second drop point m, until a certain area is detected to be full of ice.

[0301] When the second sensor 332 detects that the ice levels in two areas with different heights are the same, the ice maker 320 drops ice in the areas with the same height in a preset order. (If the ice levels in the second and third areas are lower than those in the first area, and the ice levels in the second and third areas are the same, the ice drops will continue in the order of the third ice drop point n → the second ice drop point m. If the ice levels in the first and third areas are lower than those in the second area, and the ice levels in the first and third areas are the same, the ice drops will continue in the order of the first ice drop point g → the third ice drop point n.)

[0302] When the second sensor 332 detects that the ice level in all three areas has reached the full ice position, the ice maker 320 stops dropping ice.

[0303] This controls the ice maker 320 to drop ice in areas with less ice storage, thereby controlling the uniform distribution of ice blocks in the ice storage box 310.

[0304] It is understood that in some embodiments, the first sensor 331 and the second sensor 332 can be used in conjunction. For example, the first sensor 331 is configured to detect whether the ice level in the corresponding area has reached the full ice position, and the second sensor 332 is configured to detect the specific ice level height in the corresponding area.

[0305] In some embodiments, a method for controlling a refrigerator is also provided:

[0306] S401, Control the second sensor 332 to detect the height value of ice blocks in at least two regions.

[0307] S402. Determine whether the ice storage chamber is full.

[0308] S403, If so, control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0309] S404. If not, control the ice maker 320 to drop ice in areas where the ice volume is not full, and control the second sensor 332 to detect the height value of the ice blocks in the area until the ice storage box 310 is full, and control the ice maker 320 to stop running.

[0310] In some embodiments, controlling the ice maker 320 to dispense ice into areas where the ice level is not yet full includes:

[0311] Compare the height values ​​of the ice cubes.

[0312] The ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice at the area corresponding to the minimum height value of the ice blocks, and the second sensor 332 is controlled to detect the height value of the ice blocks in at least two areas until the ice storage box 310 is full, at which point the ice maker 320 is controlled to stop operating.

[0313] In some embodiments, controlling the ice maker 320 to dispense ice into areas where the ice level is not yet full includes:

[0314] If the ice volume in each area is not full, the ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice sequentially at different ice-dropping points in a preset order.

[0315] If at least two areas are not full, and the ice block height values ​​corresponding to at least two areas are the same, then the ice maker 320 is controlled to drop ice sequentially at the ice dropping points corresponding to the areas that are not full in a preset order.

[0316] In some embodiments, a detection device is also included, which is electrically connected to the controller 600 and is configured to detect the opening and closing of the door.

[0317] Controller 600 is controlled as follows:

[0318] The control and detection device detects whether the door is open.

[0319] If so, control the ice detection structure to detect the height of the ice blocks in the ice storage box.

[0320] Determine if the ice storage box is full.

[0321] If not, control the operation of the ice maker.

[0322] Based on the above description of various embodiments of the refrigerator of this application, it can be seen that this application also provides an ice-making device 300. The ice-making device 300 includes an ice maker 320, an ice storage box 310, and a controller 600. The ice maker 320 includes a drive assembly 325, a first mold 322, and a second mold 323. The drive assembly 325 is connected to the first mold 322 and the second mold 323. The controller 600 is configured to control the drive assembly 325 to move the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 so that the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 separate at different ice-falling points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box 310.

[0323] In some embodiments, controlling the drive assembly 325 to move the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 such that the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 separate at different freezing points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box 310 includes controlling the drive assembly 325 to move the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 such that the first mold 322 and the second mold 323 sequentially separate at different freezing points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box 310.

[0324] In some embodiments, the drive component 325 includes a first drive component 3251 and a second drive component 3252 that are controlled independently. The first drive component 3251 is connected to the first mold 322, and the second drive component 3252 is connected to the second mold 323.

[0325] In some embodiments, the ice-making device 300 further includes an ice guide 500 configured to guide ice blocks falling from different landing points to the corresponding areas of the ice storage box 310.

[0326] It is understood that, in different implementations, the ice-making device 300 provided in this application may also include the features described above in the refrigerator embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0327] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0328] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0329] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this application should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0330] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0331] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning.

[0332] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover but not exclusively include, for example, a product or device that includes a series of components is not necessarily limited to those that are explicitly listed, but may include other components that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such product or device.

[0333] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0334] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0335] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0336] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (100); a door body (200) movably connected with the cabinet (100); an ice making device (300) provided in the cabinet (100) or the door body (200), the ice making device (300) comprising: an ice storage box (310) provided with an ice storage cavity (311); an ice maker (320) located above the ice storage box (310), the ice maker (320) comprising: a support (321) connected with the cabinet (100) or the door body (200); a first mold (322) provided with a first mold cavity; a second mold (323) provided with a second mold cavity, the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity forming a containing cavity (340) when the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) are in contact, the containing cavity (340) being configured to contain water and form ice cubes under the action of refrigerator cold energy; a driving assembly (325) connected with the support (321), the first mold (322) and the second mold (323), the driving assembly (325) being configured to drive the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move relative to the ice storage box (310) so that the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) are separated at different ice drop points of the ice storage cavity (311) to drop ice; an ice detection structure (330) configured to detect the amount of ice in the ice storage box (310). 2.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein, The driving assembly (325) comprises: a first driving assembly (3251) connected with the first mold (322) and the support (321), the first driving assembly (3251) being configured to drive the first mold (322) to move relative to the ice storage box (310); a second driving assembly (3252) connected with the second mold (323) and the support (321), the second driving assembly (3252) being configured to drive the second mold (323) to move relative to the ice storage box (310). 3.The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The first driving assembly (3251) comprises: a first driving member (3251a) connected with the support (321); a first transmission wheel (3251b) connected with a driving shaft of the first driving member (3251a); a first transmission member (3251c) connected with the first transmission wheel (3251b) and the first mold (322). A first drive shaft (3251d) is connected to a first drive wheel (3251b) on one side along its extension direction. The extension direction of the first drive shaft (3251d) is parallel to the extension direction of the first mold (322). The second transmission wheel (3251e) is connected to the other side of the first transmission shaft (3251d) along the extending direction; The second transmission component (3251f) is connected to the second transmission wheel (3251e). The extension direction of the second transmission component (3251f) is parallel to the extension direction of the first transmission component (3251c). The second transmission component (3251f) is connected to the first mold (322). The first driving member (3251a) is configured to drive the first transmission wheel (3251b) to rotate, and the first transmission wheel (3251b) drives the second transmission wheel (3251e) to rotate through the first transmission shaft (3251d); the first transmission wheel (3251b) drives the first mold (322) to move through the first transmission member (3251c) and the second transmission wheel (3251e) drives the first mold (322) to move through the second transmission member (3251f).

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein, The second drive component (3252) includes: The second driving member (3252a) is connected to the bracket (321); The third transmission wheel (3252b) is connected to the drive shaft of the second driving member (3252a); The third transmission component (3252c) is connected to the third transmission wheel (3252b) and the second mold (323); The second drive shaft (3252d) is connected to the third drive wheel (3252b) on one side along its extension direction. The extension direction of the second drive shaft (3252d) is parallel to the extension direction of the second mold (323). A fourth drive wheel (3252e) is connected to the other side of the second drive shaft (3252d) along the extending direction; The fourth transmission component (3252f) is connected to the fourth transmission wheel (3252e), and the extension direction of the fourth transmission component (3252f) is parallel to the extension direction of the third transmission component (3252c). The second mold (323) is connected to the fourth transmission component (3252f). The second driving member (3252a) drives the third transmission wheel (3252b) to rotate, and the third transmission wheel (3252b) drives the fourth transmission wheel (3252e) to rotate through the second transmission shaft (3252d); the third transmission wheel (3252b) drives the second mold (323) to move through the third transmission member (3252c) and the fourth transmission wheel (3252e) drives the second mold (323) to move through the fourth transmission member (3252f). 5.The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The first transmission wheel (3251b) is a gear, and the first transmission component (3251c) is a rack; The second transmission wheel (3251e) is a gear, and the second transmission component (3251f) is a rack; The third transmission wheel (3252b) is a gear, and the third transmission component (3252c) is a rack; The fourth transmission wheel (3252e) is a gear, and the fourth transmission component (3252f) is a rack. 6.The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein, The first mold (322) and the second mold (323) move along a first direction, which is consistent with the extension direction of the ice storage box (310). The ice storage cavity (311) includes at least two regions, which are arranged side by side along the first direction and are interconnected. The ice maker (320) has at least two ice-dropping points, and the at least two ice-dropping points are set in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two regions, with the ice-dropping points located above the corresponding regions.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein, The dimension of the first transmission member (3251c) along the first direction is greater than the radius of the travel distance minus the rated ice block size, and the dimension of the second transmission member (3251f) along the first direction is greater than the radius of the travel distance minus the rated ice block size; Among them, at least two of the regions include a first region and a third region. The first region is close to one end of the ice storage box (310), and the ice landing point corresponding to the first region is the first ice landing point. The third region is close to the other end of the ice storage box (310), and the ice landing point corresponding to the third region is the third ice landing point. The distance between the first ice landing point and the third ice landing point along the first direction is the travel distance. The orthographic projection of the axis of the first transmission wheel (3251b) toward the horizontal plane where the first ice-falling point is located coincides with the first ice-falling point; The orthographic projection of the axis of the second transmission wheel (3251e) toward the horizontal plane where the third landing point is located coincides with the third landing point.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further includes an ice guide (500), the ice guide (500) being located below the ice maker (320) and above the ice storage box (310), the ice guide (500) being provided with at least two ice guide channels (510), the at least two ice guide channels (510) being spaced apart, and the ice guide channels (510) communicating with the ice storage cavity (311); When the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) separate at different ice-falling points, the ice blocks in the receiving cavity (340) enter the ice storage cavity (311) through different ice guiding channels (510). 9.The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein, The number of ice guiding channels (510) is at least three, and the at least three ice guiding channels (510) include a first ice guiding channel (511), a second ice guiding channel (512) and a third ice guiding channel (513), wherein the second ice guiding channel (512) is located between the first ice guiding channel (511) and the third ice guiding channel (513); Along the extending direction of the ice storage box (310), the inner wall of the first ice guiding channel (511) near the second ice guiding channel (512) is bent away from the second ice guiding channel (512), and the ice guiding component (500) is provided with a first opening (514) at one end along the extending direction of the ice storage box (310). The first opening (514) communicates with the first ice guiding channel (511) and with the ice storage cavity (311). Along the vertical direction from top to bottom, the distance between the two opposing inner walls of the second ice guiding channel (512) along the extension direction of the ice storage box (310) decreases; Along the extending direction of the ice storage box (310), the inner wall of the third ice guiding channel (513) near the second ice guiding channel (512) is bent away from the second ice guiding channel (512). The ice guiding component (500) is provided with a second opening (515) at the other end along the extending direction of the ice storage box (310). The second opening (515) is connected to the third ice guiding channel (513) and is connected to the ice storage cavity (311).

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising a controller (600) electrically connected to the ice maker (320); The ice detection structure (330) includes an ice detection rod (3300), which is rotatably connected to the bracket (321). The ice detection rod (3300) rotates relative to the bracket (321) to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box (310). The controller (600) is configured to: The ice probe (3300) is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box (310) and to determine whether the ice storage box (310) is full. If so, control the ice maker (320) to stop operating; If not, control the ice maker (320) to drop ice sequentially at at least two ice-dropping points, and after each ice drop, control the ice probe (3300) to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box (310) to determine whether the ice storage box (310) is full, until it is determined that the ice storage box (310) is full, and control the ice maker (320) to stop running.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising a first top ice component (326), a second top ice component (327), and a water injection assembly, wherein the first top ice component (326) is connected to the bracket (321), the second top ice component (327) is connected to the bracket (321), the first top ice component (326) and the second top ice component (327) are disposed on opposite sides of the bracket (321) along a first direction, the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) move along the first direction; and the water injection assembly is electrically connected to the controller (600). The ice maker (320) has at least three ice-falling points, including a first ice-falling point, a second ice-falling point, and a third ice-falling point. Along the first direction, the second ice-falling point is located between the first ice-falling point and the third ice-falling point. The control of the ice maker (320) to sequentially and cyclically drop ice at at least two ice-dropping points includes: Control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move away from each other, such that the distance between them is not less than L, where L is the distance between the first ice-falling point and the third ice-falling point; Control the first mold (322) to move toward the second mold (323), and control the second mold (323) to move toward the first mold (322), so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form the receiving cavity (340); The water injection component is controlled to inject water into the receiving cavity (340), and after the water injection stops, a preset time is waited to form ice. Control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously toward the side of the second mold (323) away from the first mold (322) until the second mold (323) contacts the second top ice piece (327); The second mold (323) is moved a distance R away from the first mold (322) to disengage the ice block from the second mold (323), wherein R is less than the radius of the rated ice block size; Control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously toward the side of the first mold (322) away from the second mold (323) until the first mold (322) contacts the first top ice piece (326) so that the ice block is separated from the first mold (322); Control the second mold (323) to move away from the first mold (322), so that the ice block falls at the first freezing point; Control the first mold (322) to move toward the second mold (323), and control the second mold (323) to move toward the first mold (322), so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form the receiving cavity (340); The water injection component is controlled to inject water into the receiving cavity (340), and after the water injection stops, a preset time is waited to form ice. The ice probe (3300) is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box (310) and to determine whether the ice storage box (310) is full. If not, control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously toward the side of the first mold (322) away from the second mold (323) until the first mold (322) contacts the first top ice piece (326); Control the first mold (322) to move away from the second mold (323) by a distance R, so that the ice block is separated from the first mold (322); Control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously toward the side of the second mold (323) away from the first mold (322) until the second mold (323) contacts the second top ice piece (327) so that the ice block is separated from the second mold (323); Control the first mold (322) to move away from the second mold (323), and the ice block falls at the third freezing point; Control the first mold (322) to move toward the second mold (323), and control the second mold (323) to move toward the first mold (322), so that the first mold cavity and the second mold cavity form a receiving cavity (340); The water injection component is controlled to inject water into the receiving cavity (340), and after the water injection stops, a preset time is waited to form ice. The ice probe (3300) is controlled to detect the amount of ice stored in the ice storage box (310) and to determine whether the ice storage box (310) is full. If not, control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously toward the side of the second mold (323) away from the first mold (322) until the second mold (323) contacts the second top ice piece (327); Control the second mold (323) to move away from the first mold (322) by a distance R, so that the ice block is separated from the second mold (323); Control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously toward the side of the first mold (322) away from the second mold (323) until the ice block comes into contact with the first top ice piece (326) so that the ice block is separated from the first mold (322); Control the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) to move synchronously to above the second freezing point on the side of the first mold (322) facing the second mold (323); Control the first mold (322) to move away from the second mold (323), and control the second mold (323) to move away from the first mold (322), so that the ice block falls at the second freezing point.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a controller (600) electrically connected to the ice maker (320); The first mold (322) and the second mold (323) move along a first direction, which is consistent with the extension direction of the ice storage box (310). The ice storage cavity (311) includes at least two regions, which are arranged side by side along the first direction and are interconnected. The ice detection structure (330) includes at least two first sensors (331), and the at least two first sensors (331) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two of the regions. The first sensors (331) are configured to detect the amount of ice stored in the corresponding region. The controller (600) is configured to: Control the first sensor (331) to detect the amount of ice stored in the corresponding area; Determine whether the ice storage cavity (311) is full; If so, control the ice maker (320) to stop operating; If not, control the ice maker (320) to drop ice in the area where the ice volume is not full, and control the first sensor (331) to detect the ice volume in the corresponding area until the ice volume in the ice storage box (310) is full, and control the ice maker (320) to stop running.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a controller (600) electrically connected to the ice maker (320); The first mold (322) and the second mold (323) move along a first direction, which is consistent with the extension direction of the ice storage box (310). The ice storage cavity (311) includes at least two regions, which are arranged side by side along the first direction and are interconnected. The ice detection structure (330) includes a second sensor (332), which is configured to detect the height value of ice blocks in at least two of the regions. The controller (600) is configured to: The second sensor (332) is controlled to detect the height values ​​of ice blocks in at least two of the regions; Determine whether the ice storage box (310) is full; If so, control the ice maker (320) to stop operating; If not, compare the stated height values ​​of the ice cubes; The ice maker (320) is controlled to drop ice at the area corresponding to the minimum value of the ice block height.

14. An ice-making apparatus (300) comprising an ice maker (320), an ice storage box (310), and a controller (600), the ice maker (320) comprising a drive assembly (325), a first mold (322), and a second mold (323), the drive assembly (325) being connected to the first mold (322) and the second mold (323), and the controller (600) being configured to control the drive assembly (325) to move the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) such that the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) separate at different ice-falling points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box (310).

15. The ice-making device (330) according to claim 14, wherein The control drive assembly (325) moves the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) so that the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) separate at different ice-falling points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box (310), including: The drive assembly (325) is controlled to move the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) so that the first mold (322) and the second mold (323) are separated at different freezing points to drop ice blocks into different areas of the ice storage box (310).

16. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the driving assembly (325) comprises a first driving assembly (3251) and a second driving assembly (3252) controlled independently, the first driving assembly (3251) being connected to the first mold (322), and the second driving assembly (3252) being connected to the second mold (323).

17. The ice-making apparatus according to claim 14 further includes an ice guide (500) configured to guide ice blocks falling from different landing points to the corresponding regions of the ice storage box (310).

Images